Thousands of Georgian Youngsters at Risk of Substance Abuse Reached with IOM’s “Life is Better” Campaign

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Thousands of Georgian Youngsters at Risk of Substance Abuse Reached with IOM’s “Life is Better” Campaign

Posted:

06/16/17

Themes:

Internally Displaced Persons, Migrant Assistance

Georgia - In response to high rates of substance abuse among Georgian youth, the UN Migration Agency (IOM) has implemented a pioneering information campaign on prevention of substance abuse among internally displaced and ethnic minority youth.

The Campaign, “Life is Better”, was implemented in public schools selected by the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) of Georgia. Almost 500 children aged 13–14 years old created artistic projects, including essays, poems, video and songs on the theme, “Life is Better”. The initiative reached over 4,000 school children and 377 staff.

“How you deal with substance abuse, and how your school deals with substance abuse, and how your government deals with substance abuse will determine whether your country succeeds or fails,” said Mike McMahon of the United States Embassy, while addressing school children, their teachers and parents during the concluding event of the campaign in the city of Gori.

“’Life is Better’, it is indeed yours, the choice is in your hands and it is up to you to achieve all your goals,” added Ilyana Derilova, IOM Georgia Chief of Mission.

IOM’s campaign was designed not solely to prevent substance abuse but also to reduce its intensification and to deal with child and adolescent development.

From left: Mr. Mike McMahon, parent of awardees, Ms. Ilyana Derilova, Gvantsa Shubitidze and Giga Shubitidze Awardees of "Life is Better" School Competition for the production of an art video "The Way Towards Bright Future", Director of the Gori Public School no.12 Ms. Rusudan Lomidze. Photo: IOM 2017

Ms. Rusudan Lomidze hands over to Mr. Mike McMahon the Certificate of Appreciation for the implementation of "Life is Better" Campaign project. Photo: IOM 2017

Ms. Ilyana Derilova and Mr. Mike McMahon are planting tree saplings in the school yard in Gori. Photo: IOM 2017

It has been brought to the attention of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) that letters bearing IOM’s logo have been sent to numerous recipients informing them that they won in an annual lotto draw. These letters are circulating in the form of e-mails and may direct to e-mail addresses from the following e-mail host:

“@representative.com”
“@representative.compresentative.com”

These letters do not originate from IOM and they are not in any way associated with IOM activities.

Such use of IOM’s name and logo is unauthorized and illegal. IOM takes this matter seriously and takes appropriate actions against such fraudulent practices.

IOM strongly advises the public to be cautious of these and other similar fradulent e-mails that falsely claim association with IOM. Any transfer of personal information or money to those issuing such fradulent e-mails can result in identity theft, financial loss and other damages. IOM shall not be held liable for any claims, pertaining to fraudulent schemes including but not limited to claims resulting from theft, loss or damage.

If you think you have received a suspicious e-mail, forward it to abuse@iom.int.